Spiritual safety against evil

The prayer request for God’s protection is a prevalent one; we seek God’s protection for our physical safety, or that of others. We ask his covering in situations we cannot control and for spiritual safety against evil. Though every circumstance is different, the Bible makes it clear that the Lord protects those who trust in him. Spend any amount of time reading the book of Psalms and you’ll encounter numerous affirmations and declarations of God’s vigilance and protection.

Examples from the Old Testament

When asking God for protection, consider praying these verses from Psalms and other Old Testament books:

• Psalm 34:19 - “The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all.”

• Psalm 46:1 - “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”

• All of Psalm 121, but particularly verses 7-8: “The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.”

• Nahum 1:7 - “The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him.”

• 1 Samuel 2:9 - “He will guard the feet of his faithful servants, but the wicked will be silenced in the place of darkness. It is not by strength that one prevails.

Examples from the New Testament

As difficult as it may seem to understand, Scripture reassures us of God’s protection even when our problems don’t go away. A passage like Romans 8:35-39 reminds us that we pray for both immediate and eternal protection. When you or someone you’re praying for is faced with a dangerous or difficult circumstance, , consider praying these New Testament promises:

• 2 Corinthians 4:7-9: “But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”

• John 16:33 - “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

There are many reasons we seek God’s protection. May you remember God’s promises in Scripture and dedicate yourself in prayer when life feels scary and overwhelming

Looking for more content on God's protection? Listen to The Cross as Our Victory episode from Groundwork and read the Armor of God article from Family Fire.